Latest revision as of 04:56, 10 August 2023

Attention: This page is community-maintained. For the official Roll20 version of this article, see the Help Center for assistance: Journal .

Sidebar
q Text Chat
P Art Library
N Journal
i Compendium
u Jukebox
l Collections
y My Settings

The N Journal is the third tab of the Sidebar.

This feature allows GMs to create Characters and Handouts.

The Journal serves as a central repository for all of your game's information. These items can be made private or shared with other players. Shared items can be viewed by players with access from this same tab.

The Journal-tab on the Sidebar

Characters, Handouts, and Folders

[edit] Add new Character/Handouts

The Add button in the Journal Tab

Only Game Masters can Add Characters & Handouts into a game.

Add a new Character in-game is by navigating to the N Journal-tab, and clicking on the + Add-button and select Character from the dropdown menu.

The GM need to create the Character & then assign players both "In Journal" & "Controlled by" for them to see it & have full control over it.

You can also add a character/handout by right-clicking an existing folder in the N Journal-tab and selecting Add Character from the Folder Options menu. Adding new Characters or Handouts using the right-click method places them directly into the right-clicked folder.

Characters will be created with a random name, and Handouts will be named "Mysterious Note" by default.

A Character Entry uses this icon: as the default thumbnail for itself on the N Journal-Tab. This thumbnail icon will change if you add an image to the Character's Avatar/Portrait.

[edit] Characters

Main Page: Character

Character Journal entries are intended to represent either PCs, NPCs, or anything else that might take advantage of the various features Character Journals have, such as: Character Sheets, Linked Tokens, and Attributes and Abilities macros.

[edit] Character Right-Click Options

Right-Click Option Menu

While inside the Journal Tab, right-click the Character's Name to reveal the following options:

Show to Players: This will force the Character Window to open on your players' Roll20 client for them to view. If your players don't already have permissions assigned yet to view this entry, Roll20 will ask you to confirm whether you want to show the entry to everyone.
Archive Item: The Journal tab has an archival system, so you can store Character and Handout entries away when not needed for play. This can help with keeping your Journal tab organized. Archiving a Character will remove it from view in the Journal tab and place it in the Archive that is displayed at the bottom of the tab as soon as a single item is placed in it.
- Note: an archived Character still loads at game startup, it's only hidden from view. Archiving Characters does not reduce load on campaign.
  Pro
  ^{^info} users have the option of using the Transmogrifier to move unused characters to & from a storage campaign.
Delete Item: This will permanently remove the Character entry from the Journal Tab. This can't be undone, so Roll20 will ask for confirmation before initiating the deletion.

[edit] The Character Window

Click the Character entry's Name from the N Journal-tab to open it.

[edit] The Character Window Header

At the left hand corner is the Character Popout Button. Click this to pop this Character Window out into a new browser window. This can come in handy if you're a GM or Player who uses multiple monitors. Visit the My Settings page to set popout windows to automatic. Click the Show to Players button to reveal the Character to all players or click the "Edit" button to customize.

To the right of the Journal Popout Button is the entry's Character Name. This is the display name for this journal entry and what you will see if you wish to refer to it elsewhere in the game like a macro, Chat As, or Token Representation.

On the right hand side of the Character Window are the following row of four buttons:

1. Show to Players Button: Clicking on this button behaves the same way as the earlier mentioned Journal Entry Right-Click Option Menu.

2. Edit Button: Edit allows you to change various options for Character including Name, Token Image, Visibility in Player's Journals, and Player Editing of Characters, GM private notes, and Character Bio (visible in the Bio and Info Tab. More specific in-depth discussion on Edit Mode is discussed there.

3. Zoom Options Button: Clicking on this button gives you ability to increase or decrease the zoom of all content within the Character Window. At default, the zoom is set at 100%. This affects the view of all tabs within this window.

4. Close Window Button: Clicking on the X icon at the top right corner of the window will close it if you are in View Mode. If you are in Edit Mode, Clicking on the X button will revert you back to View Mode.

[edit] Edit

Only the GM can access the sheet Edit Mode

In Player's Journals: By default, only the GM sees Characters in to the N Journal-tab. To allow other Players to see the Character in their N Journal, add their names to the "In Player's Journals"-field. Player names are only available once they've launched the game at least once. You can also choose "All Players" to allow everyone to view the Character.

Players who can view the Character will see the Name, Avatar, and any text typed in the Character's Bio & Info field only. They will not have access to the Character Sheet-tab (if applicable) nor the Attributes and Abilities-tab.

Can Be Edited & Controlled By: Adding players to "The Controlled By" field gives them the following permissions:
- They will be able to choose the Character from the "Speak As" drop down menu in the q Text Chat-tab.
- They will be able to edit the Character's Name, Bio-text field of the Bio & Info- tab.
- If the game uses a Character Sheet, they will have permission to view AND edit information on Character Sheet-tab.
- They will be able to control any Token set to Represent this Character. See Linking Token to Character Sheet-guide for more details.
  You can also choose "All Players" to allow everyone to control or edit the Character entry.

Tags: The Tags field allows you add Tags to the Character entry so that you can quickly find it later using the Search box at the top of the Journal tab on the Sidebar.

Duplicate: Using the "Duplicate"-feature will create a duplicate of the current Character entry on the N Journal-tab with the name "Copy of (original-character)". This can be useful when using a Character entry as a template for new Character entries.

Archive: This button behaves exactly as the Right Click Option in the Journal Tab. Archiving the Character will put it in long-term storage. Once you've archived at least one Character or Handout entry, an Archive icon will appear at the bottom of the Journal Tab.

Delete: Deleting the Character will permanently remove it from the Game. This cannot be undone!

[edit] Avatar

The Avatar, (aka. Character Portrait), is an image that represent this Character in the Journal listing (it replaces the default thumbnail) as well as the Chat interface. Drag and drop an image from your computer, use the Choose a file...-button to select the image from a file explorer, or drag and drop an image from the Art Library into the box. Once an image is added, you can remove it at any time by hovering your mouse over the Avatar area and clicking on the Remove link that appears in the upper right of the square.

[edit] Default Token

How drag-n-drop the Default token of a sheet to the map.

The Default Token field gives you the ability to select a token on the tabletop to use as the default token for this Character whenever it is added to the table. Just select a token on the Tabletop, then press the "Use Selected Token" button. A copy of the token will be stored, including any notes, player permissions settings, and bar values and links. A GM or a player that can Edit and Control this Character can then drag-and-drop the Character from the Journal listing in the right sidebar onto the tabletop, and a new copy of the Character's default token will be added to the table.

Once a Token is tied to a Character in the Journal, a Shift+Click on the Settings icon when a token is selected or Shift+Double Click on the token directly will open the attached Character; Alt+Click opens the character to the Attributes & Abilities tab. You can also drag and drop the character name from the N Journal-tab to add tokens directly to the tabletop, once a token has been linked to it's Character. To drag-n-drop a character/token from the N Journal, you need to select its name, not the character icon/three bar. If you select the icon (or three horizontal bars) to the left of the name, it will move the character's position in the Journal.

[edit] Character Tabs

The Character Window will either have two or three tabs of content depending on whether your game is using a Character Sheet. They are listed in this order:

Bio & Info Tab: This tab is where you edit the basics of the Character entry from Name, to its assigned Token, User Permissions, as well as a place to take PC and GM notes.
Character Sheet (optional): If your game is using a community or Roll20 created Character Sheet, it will show up on this tab.
Attributes & Abilities: This tab is where you can create custom attributes and macros to roll dice formulas from. (Note: If you're using a Character Sheet, there will already be Ability fields created to be used by the Sheet.)

The following sections will go over each tab in detail.

[edit] Bio & Info Tab

Name: This will change the Character Name for this Entry.

Bio & Info Field: The Bio & Info field allows you to input information about the Character.

GM Notes Field: Use the GM Notes area to add additional notes that only the GM can see.

[edit] Character Sheet Tab

Main Page: Character Sheet

Your Character may also have a Character Sheet-tab, which is a way to display information about the character which mimics a paper character sheet for the game you are playing. Your GM will set this feature up if it's available for your game. Filling out the sheet is usually fairly straightforward, just click on any text/number-field, and enter your information. Some fields will also auto-update based on other information (for example, your Strength Modifier may auto-calculate based on the Strength of your Character). Finally, Character Sheets often have roll buttons which you can click to quickly perform skill checks and other actions (such as attacks) for your Character.

The complexity and sophistication between different character sheet templates can vary a lot, from being a simple digital version of the game's paper sheet where you just use it for storing simple info and numbers, going all the way to to having integrated character creation tools, i Compendium-compatibility, detailed settings, and options to customize the sheet and dice rolls made from it.

Roll20 have a massive number of option from sheets to use for game systems. Sheets that have by Roll20 in their name (~15 sheets) are created and maintained by Roll20, but the majority of sheets (several hundreds) are created & maintained by the community. A number of sheets are maintained by publishers themselves.

Related:

[edit] Attributes & Abilities Tab

The "Attributes & Abilities" tab on a character sheet

The Attributes & Abilities Tab is used to track the Attributes of the Character if you don't use any Character Sheet template, or want a custom stat, and store rolls and other chat commands that could be used by that Character.

[edit] Attributes

You can add Attributes to your Character by clicking on the + Add Button in the Attributes column. Each Attribute requires a Name, as well as, a Current Value and an (optional) Max Value. Any players that you give permission to edit/control the Character entry will also be able to edit and add more Attributes. Attributes can be used as variables in Macros and Abilities.

To call an Attribute within on the Character Sheet Tab or within an Ability-macro on the Attributes & Abilities Tab), it follow this format: @{AC}, @{level})

If you want to call a specific character's attributes in the q Text Chat or in a Macro, you need to specify the name of the character (e.g. @{Charlie|level}), or use:

Selected Token with a Macro @{selected|level}
Targeted Token with a Macro @{target|level}

[edit] Abilities

Abilities are designed to work in conjunction with Attributes, and work almost exactly as Macros.

You can input any valid chat command (rolls, emotes, etc.) into an Ability, and by using an Attribute that the character have as a variable, you can create complex Character-based Abilities.

When creating an Ability, type @ to view a list of Attributes that can be used. Since the variable used in the Ability is linked to a Character Attribute, the value will sync when changed in the Character editor.

You can easily add and remove Abilities from your Macro Quick-Bar by selecting the Character from the N Journal Tab.

Shift+Click on an Ability on the Macro Bar will open that Character's Ability editor. Abilities can also be used as Token Actions which is a token specific macro feature.

Abilities Macro Editor.

Abilities can be called directly from the chat by typing them similarly to an Attribute. The format is %{<character name>|<ability name}, for example: %{Bob the Slayer|Massive-Axe}

Finally, you can hover over Attributes and Abilities to drag and drop to re-order them or delete them.

Ability calls (e.g. %{Bob the Slayer|Massive-Axe}) always require a keyword (e.g. the Character Name keyword; "Bob the Slayer"), even within a tab of a Character Window. (e.g. %{Massive-Axe} won't work for Bob but %{selected|Massive-Axe} can.)

Ability Command Buttons can be used to call Abilities from the q Text Chat.

[edit] Handouts

Main Page: Handouts

Handouts are very similar to Characters, and have some of the same fields.

[edit] Handout Dialog

When you click on a Handout in the Journal Listing, it will open the Handout Dialog. This is where you view the contents of the Handout, including the Image (if one is associated), the Description & Notes text (if any has been entered) and the GM Notes (if the viewer is a GM).

If you include an image that's larger than the Handout Dialog, a magnifying glass will appear over the image when you view the Handout. Clicking on the image in the Handout Dialog will display either the original dimensions or a full-screen version of that image.

The Name of the Handout will be shown across the top of the Handout Dialog with several buttons:

[edit] Pop-Out Button

This button is to the left of the Name and looks like two overlapping rectangles. Clicking it will open the character/handout in a separate browser window from your primary Roll20 window, which can then be moved independently, viewed side-by-side with your Roll20 Game page, moved to a different monitor, or switched between with your operating systems native commands.

[edit] Show To Players Button (GM Only)

This button is to the right of the Name and allows the GM to cause the Handout Dialog to be displayed on the screens of any players that can View the Handout. If no players can View the Handout, a dialog will prompt the GM and ask if it should be shared with all players. Clicking Show to Everyone will insert All Players into the In Players's Journals field of the Handout (see below).

[edit] Edit Button

The GM always has this button, as do any players that can Edit the Handout because of inclusion in Can Be Edited By (see below). Clicking this button will move the Handout Dialog into the Editing view.

[edit] Editing

The Editing view of the Handout Dialog allows GMs and players who can Edit to make changes to the Handout.

Handout Editing & Formatting:

You can copy-paste content from outside Roll20 into the Editor, and the styling will stay, enabling you style your handouts, beyond the editor's normal tools.

[edit] Name

You can change the default text of Mysterious Note to whatever you like. This will be the title of the Handout in the Journal tab, and will show across the top of the Handout Dialog when it is opened.

[edit] In Player's Journals (GM Only)

Just like for Characters, the GM is the only person that can see a Handout by default. You can allow viewing by select players by putting their name in this field, or select All Players to allow access to all. Players with a Handout in their journal will be able to view it whenever they like. It will be shown in whatever folder the GM has put it in, complete with the name of the folder. You may want to move a handout before allowing your players to view it (For example, if it is in the Cursed Items folder).

You can also drag and drop a Handout from the Journal tab in the right sidebar onto a player. That player will be given permission to view the Handout, and it will also appear on their screen immediately.

[edit] Can Be Edited By (GM Only)

Similar to the In Player's Folder, by default only the GM can edit a Handout. Placing a player's name in this field allows that player to both View and Edit that Handout. This is particularly useful for allowing players journals or secret notes for correspondence with the GM. The same notes about folders apply as with the above.

[edit] Tags (GM Only)

The Tags field allows you to assign words to associate with this Handout which are useful for finding it later via the Search field or the Tag List Dropdown.

[edit] Image

You can upload an Image to represent this Handout in the Journal listing.

Either drag & drop an image from your computer, or drag a& drop an image from your P Art Library.

[edit] Description & Notes

This field lets you associate a freeform block of text with the Handout. This text is visible to players that can View the Handout and editable by players that can Edit the Handout.

[edit] GM Notes (GM Only)

This field is just like Description & Notes save that only the GM can edit and view it, regardless of other settings.

[edit] Duplicate Handout (GM Only)

The Duplicate-button creates a copy of the handout, named "Copy of (name of handout)", which will appear at the bottom of the journal. Multiple copies of the same handout will all be named "Copy of..." when created, though these can all be renamed as needed.

[edit] Archive Handout (GM Only)

The Archive-button will move the Handout to a special area where it will no longer show up in the Journal Listing or in results from the Search field or Tag List Dropdown. Archived handouts can be accessed in the Archived Handouts Dialog at the bottom of the Journal Listing, and can be restored there.

[edit] Delete Handout (GM Only)

The Delete Handout- button will prompt for confirmation and then permanently remove the Handout from the Game.

[edit] Folders

Folders can be used to help organize Characters and Handouts within the Journal. Folders and the complete folder structure can be seen by all players who join the game as well as the GM, assuming there is at least one item in each folder for which players have available to their journals. If a folder contains items that are only available to the GM's journal, the players will not see that folder.

[edit] Add Folder

Add a new folder using + Add button as described at the top of this page, making sure to select Folder from the dropdown menu. Follow the instructions on the prompt to name the folder and hit OK to add the folder to the Journal.

[edit] Folder Options

Right click the folder to reveal a list of options. Add Subfolders, Characters, and Handouts using this method to automatically nest 4 additional folders under the right-clicked folder. Items can also be moved in and out of folders manually using the mouse, see Reorganizing Journal Items for more detail.

You can sort alphabetically, rename or delete the folder from this menu as well. Deleting folders will not delete the items inside. All items in the deleted folder will be moved to the root folder. Using the Delete Folder option requires your approval upon use, confirm when prompted to initiate your action.

[edit] Reorganizing Journal Items

1. Hover your mouse over the item you wish to move.

2. Grab the ≡ that shows up along the left-side of the item name.

3. Drag the item just below the folder that you want to move it to and then move the file to the right before dropping it in the folder.

[edit] Minimizing Journal Entries

You can minimize journal entries by double clicking upon any currently opened character journal or handout. This will shrink the item down to a small translucent title bar with the name of the entry on it and a couple buttons listed on the bar’s right side. You can click and drag this title bar to wherever is most convenient on the browser. To maximize the journal entry again, simply double click on the minimized title bar.

While minimized, the Edit button is still available to access for both character journals and handouts. In the case for handouts, there’s also a “Show To Players” button option.

You can close minimized journal entries by clicking on the X button on the far right of the title bar.

[edit] Journal Options

[edit] Link Between Journal Entries

You can easily create links between your Journal Entries(Handouts & Characters).

Put single brackets around the name of a character or handout (for example: “[Mr. Bearington] is most-known for his long, flowing hair”), and when you save the entry, it will automatically create a clickable link to the other journal entry. Links to other handouts are purple, while links to compendium entries or other hyperlinks are blue.

It works both inside and outside the app, and it’s smart enough to obey player permissions as well (so a player can’t open a handout they don’t have access to, even if they see a link to that handout).

You can use the links in character bio, GM notes (both for characters and tokens), and for handouts in the Description & Notes-field. Use links to tie entries together, or even create a “table of contents” page for your game to quickly access your most-used journal items.

Example of creating a link from one journal entry to another, and using it to open the other handout.

[edit] Linking to a Compendium Page

If your game uses a i Compendium, links to that compendium in handouts and character sheets will automatically open a handout from the in-app compendium. Use the full URL in the link in the text editor, including the https:// part of the URL, but do not include bookmarks and arguments (anything that's after a ? or # in a copied URL).

If you access the External Compendium, you can search and navigate to the pages you want and simply copy the URLs from the address bar.

Example:

To link to the D&D 5E Rogue's compendium page, save the following as the link in the handout: https://roll20.net/compendium/dnd5e/Classes:Rogue

[edit] Journal Command Buttons

Running Commands from Handouts by Nick Olivo

Within the Bio & Info and GM Notes text fields of a Character, or the Description & Notes and GM Notes text fields of a Handout, you can create Journal Command Buttons; special hyperlinks that can output macros to the Text Chat when clicked.

Here's how to create a Journal Command Button within one of the aforementioned fields:

Insert a link using the link button on the redactor toolbar.
At the very start of the "URL" field of the Link Window, type a backtick character: `
Add in your macro code after the ` character.
Give your Journal Command Button a label using the "Text" field.
Press the "Insert" button and Save Changes; you have created a Journal Command Button!

Another way to create Journal Command Buttons is to copy and paste an API Command Button or Ability Command Button from the Text Chat into one of the aforementioned text fields.

Note: Journal Command Buttons will not work if you have the Use Window Popouts for Characters option enabled.

[edit] Linking Characters & Tokens Together

You can take token assignments one step further by linking tokens to a Character Journal.

[edit] For PCs or Named NPCs

The following setup is ideal for tokens that represent a single character, whether that's a player character or a prominent villains (i.e. not meant for stock monsters or creatures).

Before linking the token to your character journal, open up its Token's Settings window by double clicking on the token, or clicking on the gear icon.
Select the desired Character Name for this token from the drop down menu for "Represents Character". This drop down menu lists every available character journal entry in alphanumerical order.
For Bars 1, 2, and 3, click on the adjoining drop down menus to choose the relative attribute fields of the character journal. This will include ones you've created and ones that may be used by a Character Sheet (if applicable). A character's current HP value is a good candidate or any other attribute that you want be convenient to track.
Save your changes and close the Token Settings window

[edit] External Journal Access

Main Page: External Journal

If the game's creator is a

Plus

^{^info} or

Pro

^{^info}-subscriber, you can easily view your Handouts & Character's bio outside of the campaign.

External journal page for a campaign. displaying handouts & characters

Located on the Game Details page, under the Content dropdown menu, along with access to your Chat Archive and Game Forums.

This is great for checking up on things in-between gaming sessions without the hassle of loading up the whole tabletop. You can also keep the External Journal open in a separate tab or browser window, or even on another screen.

The External Journal updates in real-time. So if a change is made to a character’s bio, you don’t need to reload, you’ll see the change right away. This really enables you to use the External Journal as a play aid during your Roll20 games.

Trick:

If you have large handouts & need to search them for a certain word, you can open them in the External Journal and use ctrl+F to find it, where as you can't use ctrl+F inside Roll20.
- Search API^(Forum) -- provides full text searching across handouts and characters (including attributes). Search respects permissions on handouts and characters.

[edit] Archive

Main Page: Archiving

The Archive Handout button will move the Handout to a special area where it will no longer show up in the Journal Listing or in results from the Search field or Tag List Dropdown. Archived handouts can be accessed in the Archived Handouts Dialog at the bottom of the Journal Listing, and can be restored there.

Pro users can use the Transmogrifier to move characters & handouts to a separate Library Campaign, to reduce the load if you have hundreds of unused characters.

[edit] Tips

If you want to search through a handout or character using Ctrl+F, you can do so by either:
- pop out it in a separate window. In Roll20, Ctrl+F opens i Freehand Drawing Tool
- (Game hosted by Plus/Pro) View Handouts in External Journal
- Search^(Forum) API(Pro only) can be used to find matches from all handouts in the game

[edit] API

[edit] Characters

Various scripts related to Character Sheets, and managing them.

CharSheet -- Allow players to create their own character sheets.
Welcome Package^(Forum) -- API create and assigns character sheets to new people who join a game
PlayerCharacters^(Forum) -- Player & Character Manager. List all Player Characters divided by Player for the GM, or all assigned Characters for a Player. Add Characters for GM and Players.
PublicSheet^(Forum) -- Creates a "public" version of character sheets that players can't edit, which mirrors the actual character sheet.
Reporter^(Forum) -- A script to poll the game and return info on Token/Character pairs, along with customized action tools.
Observer^(Forum) -- Manages observer players, who are given the visibility (and control) of all player characters. This is useful for both podcasting views and local play on a single player screen.

[edit] Equipment

Most game systems have some form of equipment to make characters better. While scripts dealing with that equipment may necessarily be system-specific, there are scripts which handle equipment in a more general fashion.

Ammo -- Provides inventory management for ammunition stored in an attribute of a character. Can be used with any char sheet

[edit] Attributes

Manipulate one or more characters' attributes. Anything that is system-specific should be placed in the system's category below; this section is for system-agnostic attribute manipulation.

Ammo -- API for tracking ammo use & recovery.
ChatSetAttr -- Create, modify, and delete character attributes via chat commands or macros. ChatSetAttr can be embedded into normal macros.
GroupCheck -- A way to quickly roll a group check for everyone, and see who succeed
- ApplyDamage^(Forum) -- Supplementary API to GroupCheck, which enables to automatically apply damage to a group of characters, based on failed/succeeded GroupCheck rolls. Example: Damage of an AoE Spell, based on success/fail on saving throw
Conditions -- Track attribute-modifying conditions.
EasyExperience -- Make awarding experience easy and choose your experience progression.
LazyExperience^(Forum) -- to record experience during a game. Inspired by EasyEx, biggest difference is that it has an option to reward experience directly.
- Easily Calculate Session XP with LazyExperience - Nick Olivo
Experience Tracker -- (Note: Old API, not updated since 2016) Automatic tracking of a D&D 5e-like experience system, as well as level up announcement in chat. !xp handles experience and announces level up.

[edit] Handout

API Scripts interacting with Handouts and Journal entries.

Supernotes^(Forum) -- script pulls the contents from a token's GM Notes field.
- If the token represents a character, you can optionally pull in the Bio or GM notes from the character. The user can decide whether to whisper the notes to the GM or broadcast them to all players.
- Finally, there is the option to add a footer to notes whispered to the GM. This footer creates a chat button to give the option of sending the notes on to the players.
NoteLog^(Forum) -- provides an easy interface to keeping notes for your players.
Search^(Forum) -- provides full text searching across handouts and characters (including attributes). Search respects permissions on handouts and characters.

[edit] See Also

The other tabs in the Sidebar:

q Text Chat
- Complete Guide to Macros & Rolls‎
P Art Library
N Journal
- Character Sheets
i Compendium
u Jukebox
l Collections
y My Settings
- Advanced Keyboard Shortcuts

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{revdate}}{{HCbox| {{hc|articles/360039675133-Journal Journal}} }}
-The Journal is a feature which allows you to create Characters and Handouts which you can choose to keep private or share with your players. It serves as a central repository for information about your Campaign.
+{{SidebarNav}}The {{Journal}} is the third tab of the [[Sidebar]].
-== Characters ==
+This feature allows [[GM|GMs]] to create '''[[#Characters|Characters]]''' and '''[[#Handouts|Handouts]]'''.
-Characters are intended to represent either PCs or important NPCs in your Campaign. Each Character has a name, an avatar which represents the Character, Attributes, Abilities and a Bio and a GM Notes section.
+{{cleanup-msg|Images need updating, & adding characters/handouts are separate buttons. |Aug 2023}}
-[[File:CharacterSS1.jpg|right|border|500px]]
+The Journal serves as a central repository for all of your game's information. These items can be made private or shared with other [[players]]. Shared items can be viewed by players with access from this same tab.
-=== Adding a new Character ===
+[[File:The_Journal_Tab.png|right|thumbnail|The '''Journal'''-tab on the [[Sidebar]]|400px]]
-To start a new character, click the (1.) &quot;+ Add&quot; button under the Character heading in the Journal tab. The system randomly generates a (2.) placeholder name and creates the character. From this point, click the &quot;Edit&quot; button to further customize the Character.
+{{#evp:youtube|hLELEovjrDQ|Characters, Handouts, and Folders|right|400}}
-=== Viewing Options ===
+= Add new Character/Handouts =
-By default, only the GM sees the Character. To allow other Players to see the Character in their Journal tab, add their names to the (3.) &quot;In Players Journals&quot; field. You can also choose &quot;All Players&quot; to allow everyone to view the Character.
+[[File:Journal1.0.jpg|thumb|The Add button in the Journal Tab|right|400px]]
+'''Only [[GM|Game Masters]] can Add Characters & Handouts into a game.'''
-Players who can view the Character will see the name, avatar, and bio.
+Add a new Character in-game is by navigating to the {{Journal}}-tab, and clicking on the {{button|<big>'''+'''</big> Add|white}}-button and select '''Character''' from the dropdown menu.
-=== Setting Permissions ===
+The GM need to create the Character & then assign [[players]] both "In Journal" & "Controlled by" for them to see it & have full control over it.
-The (4.) Controlled By field allows you to give Players in your game the ability to &quot;speak&quot; as that Character in the Text Chat. They are also able to edit the Character's information if they control it. In addition, if you use the Represents Character feature of the Tokens Settings, players who have permission to control this Character will also be able to control any tokens that represent this character.
-=== Tagging ===
+You can also add a character/handout by right-clicking an existing folder in the {{Journal}}-tab and selecting '''Add Character''' from the '''[[Journal#Folder_Options|Folder Options]]''' menu. Adding new '''Characters''' or '''Handouts''' using the right-click method places them directly into the right-clicked folder.
-The (5.) Tags field allows you to tag the Character so that you can quickly find it later using the Search box at the top of the Journal tab in the sidebar.
-=== Bio & Info ===
+'''Characters''' will be created with a random name, and '''Handouts''' will be named "Mysterious Note" by default.
-The (6.) Bio field allows you to input information about the Character. In addition there's a GM Notes field that's only visible to the GM. Both Bio and GM Note fields have a plethora of formatting options, as well as, the abilities to add tables and copy and paste from PDFs.
-=== Portrait ===
+A Character Entry uses this icon:[[File:Character Entry Default Thumb.png|x]] as the default thumbnail for itself on the {{Journal}}-Tab. This thumbnail icon will change if you add an image to the Character's [[#Avatar|Avatar]]/Portrait.
-You can upload an Avatar (7.) to represent this Character in the Journal listing as well as the Chat interface. Just drag and drop an image from your computer, or drag and drop an image from the Art Library search results into the box.
+<br clear="all" />
-=== Default Token ===
+= Characters =
-The Default Token field (8.) gives you the ability to select a token on the tabletop to use as the default token for this Character whenever it is added to the table. Just select a token, then press the "Use Selected Token" button. A copy of the token will be stored, including any notes, player permissions settings, and bar values and links. You can then drag-and-drop the Character from the Journal listing in the right sidebar onto the tabletop, and a new copy of the Character's default token will be added to the table.
+{{main|Character}}
+{{:Character}}
-Once a Token is tied to a Character in the Journal, a Shift+Click on the Settings icon when a token is selected or Shift+Double Clicking on the token directly will open the attached Character; Alt+Click opens the character to the Attributes &amp; Abilities tab.
+= Handouts =
+{{main|Handouts}}
+{{:Handout}}
-=== Duplicate ===
+= Folders =
-Using the Duplicate feature will create another Character Journal.  This can be useful when using a character or NPC/monster "template".
+[[File:Journal3.1.jpg|frame|right]]
+Folders can be used to help organize '''Characters''' and '''Handouts''' within the Journal. Folders and the complete folder structure can be seen by all players who join the game as well as the GM, assuming there is at least one item in each folder for which players have available to their journals. If a folder contains items that are only available to the GM's journal, the players will not see that folder.
-=== Archive ===
+==Add Folder==
-Archiving the Character will put it in long-term storage. You can easily return it to the Journal tab by clicking on the &quot;Archived Items&quot; link that will appear in the list after you've archived at least one Character. Deleting the Character will permanently remove it from the Campaign, and cannot be undone.
+Add a new folder using '''+ Add''' button as described at the top of this page, making sure to select '''Folder''' from the dropdown menu. Follow the instructions on the prompt to name the folder and hit '''OK''' to add the folder to the Journal.
-=== GM Notes ===
+== Folder Options ==
-Use the GM Notes area to add additional notes that only the GM can see.
+Right click the folder to reveal a list of options. Add '''Subfolders''', '''Characters''', and '''Handouts''' using this method to automatically nest 4 additional folders under the right-clicked folder. Items can also be moved in and out of folders manually using the mouse, see '''[[Journal#Reorganizing_Journal_Items|Reorganizing Journal Items]]''' for more detail.
+{{mbox | text = '''Note:''' Due to the limited space on the Sidebar, only 3 additional folders can be added. '''Characters''' and '''Handouts''' can only be added to the most deeply nested folder by using the right-click options menu to add items.}}
-{{mbox | text = '''Useful Tip:''' Set up all your tokens ahead of time and assign them to Characters. Then when your players join your game, just give them control of the Character and they'll be able to control all the tokens for that Character right away.}}
+You can sort alphabetically, rename or delete the folder from this menu as well. Deleting folders will '''not''' delete the items inside. All items in the deleted folder will be moved to the root folder. Using the '''Delete Folder''' option requires your approval upon use, confirm when prompted to initiate your action.
-<div style="clear: both;"></div>
-'''Character Sheets'''
+== Reorganizing Journal Items ==
+[[File:Journal3gif.gif|left|frame]]
-Your Character may also have a Sheet tab, which is a way to display information about the character which mimics a paper character sheet for the game you are playing. Your GM will set this feature up if it's available for your game. Filling out the sheet is straightforward, just click on any field and enter your information. Some fields will also auto-update based on other information (for example, your Strength Modifier may auto-calculate based on the Strength of your Character). Finally, Character Sheets may also have roll buttons which you can click to quickly perform skill checks and other actions (such as attacks) for your Character. Again, consult with your GM for the details on your specific game.
+:'''1.''' Hover your mouse over the item you wish to move.<br>
-More information on Character Sheets, including how to set them up if you're the GM of the game, are available in the [[Character Sheets]] article.
+:'''2.''' Grab the {{button|{{3lines}}|white}} that shows up along the left-side of the item name.<br>
-'''Attributes and Abilities'''
+:'''3.''' Drag the item just below the folder that you want to move it to and then move the file to the right before dropping it in the folder.
+<div style="clear: both;"></div>
-[[File:CharacterSS2.jpg|left|border|400px]]
+== Minimizing Journal Entries ==
+[[File:MinimizedJournals.jpg|right|border|400px]]
-Characters also have Attributes and Abilities, which are used to track stats about the Character and store rolls and other chat commands that are frequently used by that Character. To access the Attributes and Abilities, click on the "Attributes and Abilities" tab along the top of the screen (9.).
+You can minimize journal entries by double clicking upon any currently opened character journal or handout. This will shrink the item down to a small translucent title bar with the name of the entry on it and a couple buttons listed on the bar’s right side. You can click and drag this title bar to wherever is most convenient on the browser. To maximize the journal entry again, simply double click on the minimized title bar.
-You can add Attributes (10.) to your Characters. Each attribute has a name, as well as, a current and (optional) max value. Any players that you give permission to edit/control the Character will also be able to edit the Attributes. Attributes can be used as variables in [[Macros|Macros]] and Abilities.
+While minimized, the Edit button is still available to access for both character journals and handouts. In the case for handouts, there’s also a “Show To Players” button option.
-Abilities (11.) are designed to work in conjunction with Attributes. Abilities work almost exactly as [[Macros|Macros]]. You can put any valid chat command (rolls, emotes, etc.) into the ability. By using an Attribute that is assigned to a Character as a variable modifier, you can create complex Character-based Abilities. Type "@" to view a list of Attributes that can be used. Since the variable used in the Ability is linked to a Character Attribute, the value will sync when changed in the Character editor. You can easily add and remove Abilities from your Macro Quick-Bar by selecting the Character from the Journal Tab. Shift+Clicking on an Ability on the Macro Quick-Bar will open that Character's Ability editor. Abilities can also be used as [[Token Actions|Token Actions]] which is a token specific macro feature.
+You can close minimized journal entries by clicking on the X button on the far right of the title bar.
-Finally, you can hover over Attributes and Abilities (12.) to drag and drop to re-order them or delete them.
+{{notebox|'''Note:''' If you close a minimized journal entry it will remain so when you open it again from the Journal Tab on the Sidebar.}}
-<div style='clear: both; height: 10px;'></div><br><br>
+=Journal Options=
-== Handouts ==
+== Link Between Journal Entries ==
+[[File:Journallinkss.png|540px|right]]
+You can easily create links between your Journal Entries(Handouts & Characters).
-[[File:EditNote.jpg|right|border|200px]]
+Put single brackets around the name of a character or handout (for example: <code>“[Mr. Bearington] is most-known for his long, flowing hair”</code>), and when you save the entry, it will automatically create a clickable link to the other journal entry. Links to other handouts are purple, while links to compendium entries or other hyperlinks are blue.
-Handouts are very similar to Characters and have some of the same fields. The main difference is that Handouts are designed to be either one large image or a long description (or both).
-If you include an image that's larger than the handout window, a magnifying glass will appear over the image when you view the handout. Clicking on the image in the handout will display either the original dimensions or a full-screen version of that image.
+It works both inside and outside the app, and it’s smart enough to obey [[player]] permissions as well (so a player can’t open a handout they don’t have access to, even if they see a link to that handout).
-Clicking the F11 key (on most Web-browser programs) will make the image even larger because the browser toolbars will disappear and give the image more height.  Press F11 again to restore.
+You can use the links in [[#Bio_.26_Info_Tab|character bio]], GM notes (both for characters and [[tokens]]), and for handouts in the '''Description & Notes'''-field. Use links to tie entries together, or even create a “table of contents” page for your game to quickly access your most-used journal items.
-You must put the Handouts into Players' Journals using the &quot;In Player Journals&quot; field in order for Players to be able to see them. After you've given Players permission to view the Handout, you can also use the &quot;Show to Players&quot; button to force the Handout to open on the screens of Players who can view it.
+[[File:Link-handouts.gif|thumbnail|center|800px|Example of creating a link from one journal entry to another, and using it to open the other handout.]]
-You can also drag and drop a Handout from the Journal tab in the right sidebar onto a player.  That player will be given permission to view the Handout, and it will also appear on their screen immediately.
+==Linking to a Compendium Page==
+If your game uses a {{Compendium}}, links to that compendium in handouts and character sheets will automatically open a handout from the in-app compendium. Use the full URL in the link in the text editor, including the <code>https://</code> part of the URL, but do not include bookmarks and arguments (anything that's after a <code>?</code> or <code>#</code> in a copied URL).
-== Minimizing Journal Entries ==
+If you access the [[External Compendium]], you can search and navigate to the pages you want and simply copy the URLs from the address bar.
-[[File:MinimizedJournals.jpg|right|border|400px]]
-You can minimize journal entries by double clicking upon any currently opened character journal or handout. This will shrink the item down to a small translucent title bar with the name of the entry on it and a couple buttons listed on the bar’s right side. You can click and drag this title bar to wherever is most convenient on the browser. To maximize the journal entry again, simply double click on the minimized title bar.
+{{ex}}
-While minimized, the Edit button is still available to access for both character journals and handouts. In the case for handouts, there’s also a “Show To Players” button option.
+To link to the [[5E|D&D 5E]] Rogue's compendium page, save the following as the link in the handout: <code><nowiki>https://roll20.net/compendium/dnd5e/Classes:Rogue</nowiki></code>
-You can close minimized journal entries by clicking on the X button on the far right of the title bar.
+== Journal Command Buttons ==
+{{#evp:youtube|pkDC-nP3vCE|Running Commands from Handouts by Nick Olivo|right|400}}
+Within the [[Journal#Bio_.26_Info_Tab|Bio & Info]] and [[Journal#GM_Notes_Field|GM Notes]] text fields of a Character, or the [[Journal#Description_.26_Notes|Description & Notes]] and [[Journal#GM_Notes_.28GM_Only.29|GM Notes]] text fields of a Handout, you can create '''Journal Command Buttons'''; special hyperlinks that can output macros to the Text Chat when clicked.
-{{mbox | text = '''Note:''' If you close a minimized journal entry it will remain so when you open it again from the Journal Tab on the Sidebar.}}
+Here's how to create a Journal Command Button within one of the aforementioned fields:
+# Insert a link using the link button on the redactor toolbar.
+# At the very start of the "URL" field of the Link Window, type a backtick character: <code>`</code>
+# Add in your macro code after the <code>`</code> character.
+# Give your Journal Command Button a label using the "Text" field.
+# Press the "Insert" button and Save Changes; you have created a Journal Command Button!
+<br>
+Another way to create Journal Command Buttons is to copy and paste an [[API:Chat#API_Command_Buttons|API Command Button]] or [[Macros#Ability_Command_Buttons|Ability Command Button]] from the Text Chat into one of the aforementioned text fields.
-== External Journal Access ==
+'''Note:''' Journal Command Buttons will not work if you have the [[My_Settings#Use_Window_Popouts_for_Characters|Use Window Popouts for Characters]] option enabled.
-If your GM is a Supporter or Mentor subscriber, you can easily view your Journal entries outside of the app. Located on the [[Campaign_Management#Details|Campaign Details page]], along with access to your [[Campaign_Management#Discussion_Forum|Campaign Forums]], and [[Campaign_Management#Chat_Archive|Chat Archive]].
+==[[Linking Tokens to Journals|Linking Characters & Tokens Together]]==
+You can take [[token]] assignments one step further by [[Linking Tokens to Journals|linking tokens to a Character Journal]].
-[[File:Journalexss.png|600px|center]]
+===For PCs or Named NPCs===
+The following setup is ideal for tokens that represent a single character, whether that's a player character or a prominent villains (i.e. not meant for stock monsters or creatures).
+#Before linking the token to your character journal, open up its Token's Settings window by double clicking on the token, or clicking on the gear icon.<br /><br />
+#Select the desired Character Name for this token from the drop down menu for "Represents Character". This drop down menu lists every available character journal entry in alphanumerical order.<br /><br />
+# For Bars 1, 2, and 3, click on the adjoining drop down menus to choose the relative attribute fields of the character journal. This will include ones you've created and ones that may be used by a Character Sheet (if applicable). A character's current HP value is a good candidate or any other attribute that you want be convenient to track.<br /><br />
+# Save your changes and close the Token Settings window
-This is great for checking up on things in-between gaming sessions without the hassle of loading up the whole tabletop. You can also keep the external Journal open in a separate tab or browser window, or even on another screen.
+== External Journal Access ==
+{{main|External Journal}}
-The external Journal updates in real-time. So if a change is made to a character’s bio, you don’t need to reload, you’ll see the change right away. This really enables you to use the external Journal as a play aid during your Roll20 games.
+{{:External Journal}}
+<br clear=all>
-== Link Between Journal Entries ==
+=Archive=
+{{main|Archiving}}
+The '''Archive Handout''' button will move the '''Handout''' to a special area where it will no longer show up in the '''Journal Listing''' or in results from the '''Search''' field or '''Tag List Dropdown'''.  Archived handouts can be accessed in the '''Archived Handouts Dialog''' at the bottom of the '''Journal Listing''', and can be restored there.
+{{orange| Archiving characters & handouts will not improve game performance, see  [[Optimizing Roll20 Performance]]}}
-You can easily link your journal entries together inside the game.
+[[Pro]] users can use the [[Transmogrifier]] to move characters & handouts to a separate [[Library Campaign]], to reduce the load if you have hundreds of unused characters.
-Just put single brackets around the name of a character or handout (for example: “[Mr. Bearington] is most-known for his long, flowing hair”), and when you save the entry we’ll automatically create a clickable link that will open that other journal entry.
+=Tips=
+* If you want to search through a handout or character using {{button|Ctrl}}+{{button|F}}, you can do so by either:
+** [[Journal#Pop-Out_Button|pop out]] it in a separate window. In Roll20, {{button|Ctrl}}+{{button|F}} opens  <span style="font-family:Pictos Custom;">i</span> [[Drawing_Tools#Freehand|Freehand Drawing Tool]]
+** (Game hosted by Plus/Pro) View Handouts in [[External Journal]]
+** {{fpl|5250301/ Search}} API(Pro only) can be used to find matches from all handouts in the game
-[[File:Journallinkss.png|650px|right]]
+=API=
+{{Pro only|section}}
+==Characters==
+{{:Character Sheet/API}}
-It works both inside and outside the app, and it’s smart enough to obey player permissions as well (so a player can’t open a handout they don’t have access to, even if they see a link to that handout).
+==Handout==
+{{:Handout/API}}
-You can use the links in character bios, GM notes (both for characters and tokens), and handout notes fields. Use links to tie entries together, or even create a “table of contents” page for your campaign to quickly access your most-used journal items.
+=See Also=
+* [[Character Sheet]]
+** [[Link Token|Linking Token to Character Sheet]]
+** [[Character Vault]]
+** [[Transmogrifier]]
+* [[Game Management]]
+The other tabs in the [[Sidebar]]:
+* {{Text Chat}}
+** [[Complete Guide to Macros & Rolls‎]]
+* {{Art Library}}
+* {{Journal}}
+** [[Character Sheets]]
+* {{Compendium}}
+* {{Jukebox}}
+* {{Collections}}
+** [[Macros]]
+** [[Playing Cards]]
+** [[Rollable Tables]]
+* {{My Settings}}
+** [[Advanced Shortcuts|Advanced Keyboard Shortcuts]]
+<br>
+<br>
 [[Category:Docs]]
+[[Category:Sidebar]]
+[[Category:Character Sheets]]

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Difference between revisions of "Journal"

From Roll20 Wiki

Latest revision as of 04:56, 10 August 2023

Contents

[edit] Add new Character/Handouts

[edit] Characters

[edit] Character Right-Click Options

[edit] The Character Window

[edit] The Character Window Header

[edit] Edit

[edit] Avatar

[edit] Default Token

[edit] Character Tabs

[edit] Bio & Info Tab

[edit] Character Sheet Tab

[edit] Attributes & Abilities Tab

[edit] Attributes

[edit] Abilities

[edit] Handouts

[edit] Handout Dialog

[edit] Pop-Out Button

[edit] Show To Players Button (GM Only)

[edit] Edit Button

[edit] Editing

[edit] Name

[edit] In Player's Journals (GM Only)

[edit] Can Be Edited By (GM Only)

[edit] Tags (GM Only)

[edit] Image

[edit] Description & Notes

[edit] GM Notes (GM Only)

[edit] Duplicate Handout (GM Only)

[edit] Archive Handout (GM Only)

[edit] Delete Handout (GM Only)

[edit] Folders

[edit] Add Folder

[edit] Folder Options

[edit] Reorganizing Journal Items

[edit] Minimizing Journal Entries

[edit] Journal Options

[edit] Link Between Journal Entries

[edit] Linking to a Compendium Page

[edit] Journal Command Buttons

[edit] Linking Characters & Tokens Together

[edit] For PCs or Named NPCs

[edit] External Journal Access

[edit] Archive

[edit] Tips

[edit] API

[edit] Characters

[edit] Equipment

[edit] Attributes

[edit] Handout

[edit] See Also